2 . Ignited Fires of Persecution
When Jesus revealed to His disciples the fate of Jerusalem and the scenes of the second advent , He foretold also the experience of His people from the time when He should be taken from them , to His return in power and glory for their deliverance . From Olivet the Saviour beheld the storms about to fall upon the apostolic church ; and penetrating deeper into the future , His eye discerned the fierce , wasting tempests that were to beat upon His followers in the coming ages of darkness and persecution . In a few brief utterances of awful significance He foretold the portion which the rulers of this world would mete out to the church of God . Matthew 24:9 , 21 , 22 . The followers of Christ must tread the same path of humiliation , reproach , and suffering which their Master trod . The enmity that burst forth against the world ' s Redeemer would be manifested against all who should believe on His name .
The history of the early church testified to the fulfillment of the Saviour ' s words . The powers of earth and hell arrayed themselves against Christ in the person of His followers . Paganism foresaw that should the gospel triumph , her temples and altars would be swept away ; therefore she summoned her forces to destroy Christianity . The fires of persecution were kindled . Christians were stripped of their possessions and driven from their homes . They " endured a great fight of afflictions ." Hebrews 10:32 . They " had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings , yea , moreover of bonds and imprisonment ." Hebrews 11:36 . Great numbers sealed their testimony with their blood . Noble and slave , rich and poor , learned and ignorant , were alike slain without mercy .
These persecutions , beginning under Nero about the time of the martyrdom of Paul , continued with greater or less fury for centuries . Christians were falsely accused of the most dreadful crimes and declared to be the cause of great calamities--famine , pestilence , and earthquake . As they became the objects of popular hatred and suspicion , informers stood ready , for the sake of gain , to betray the innocent . They were condemned as rebels against the empire , as foes of religion , and pests to society . Great numbers were thrown to wild beasts or burned alive in the amphitheaters . Some were crucified ; others were covered with the skins of wild animals and thrust into the arena to be torn by dogs . Their punishment was often made the chief entertainment at public fetes . Vast multitudes assembled to enjoy the sight and greeted their dying agonies with laughter and applause .
Wherever they sought refuge , the followers of Christ were hunted like beasts of prey . They were forced to seek concealment in desolate and solitary places . " Destitute , afflicted , tormented ; ( of whom the world was not worthy :) they wandered in deserts , and in mountains , and in dens and caves of the earth ." Verses 37 , 38 . The catacombs afforded shelter for
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